Woman Returns Vietnam POW Bracelet to Veteran's Daughter
A Michigan woman reunited a daughter with a POW bracelet bearing her father's name decades after his return.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Human Interest
Mary Kay Potyraj recently returned a Vietnam War POW bracelet to Lorrie Kitching, the daughter of the late pilot Robert Stirm. Potyraj discovered the memento among the belongings of her late husband, Rob Potyraj.
Why it matters
The return of the bracelet serves as a poignant reconnection with a piece of personal and national history. It honors the legacy of Robert Stirm, who spent years in captivity before his eventual return.
Robert Stirm was a prisoner of war released in 1972 after being shot down in 1967. He later passed away at age 92 and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery in 2026.
The players
Mary Kay Potyraj
She is a Michigan resident who discovered the historical item among her late husband's belongings.
Lorrie Kitching
She is the daughter of Robert Stirm and the recipient of the returned memorial bracelet.
Robert Stirm
He was a military pilot who served as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam conflict.
The details
After finding the bracelet, Mary Kay Potyraj researched the Stirm family history and contacted Kitching to arrange the return. The delivery was timed to coincide with the anniversary of Stirm being shot down.
Timeline
October 27, 1967: Robert Stirm was shot down during the Vietnam War.
1972: Robert Stirm was released from captivity.
October 27, 2026: Lorrie Kitching received the returned POW bracelet.
Culture Shift
This act of return reflects the enduring legacy of the 1973 Operation Homecoming, which marked the mass release of POWs and allowed families to finally reunite. It highlights a modern shift toward preserving personal history as a means of honoring military service.
For many, this story highlights the personal value of keeping family heirlooms that connect generations to historical events. It encourages readers to audit old collections or memorabilia that could hold deep significance for others.
The takeaway
Families with mementos from past military conflicts can often find descendants who would treasure these historical items. Reaching out through public records or genealogical resources can turn a forgotten object into a meaningful reconnection.
Further reading
Explore more emotional stories of connection in our Human Interest section.
